Finding love after retirement

February 10, 2023

Adjusting to life after retirement is difficult for some, but for Jack and Myra, that’s where their love story began.

Having worked all his life in Sydney, Jack took the plunge and moved to Caves Beach to retire. He struggled to fit in at first, but he never looked back once he found his place.

“The best part is I met my darling Myra,” Jack said. The couple met in 1998 and married in 2000.

They’ve shared many wonderful experiences over the years, including a year spent travelling to almost every corner of the country in their caravan.

More recently and faced with health challenges, they decided Myra required full-time care.

Neither are strangers to Mawson Court Residential Care home, having volunteered as Pastoral Carers for ten years at the home. So, when a place became available, they were thrilled.

“There is still one resident living here that we used to visit!” said Jack.

Despite living separately, Jack and Myra couldn’t be closer.

“I visit every day,” said Jack.

“In the mornings, Myra enjoys various activities with other residents, so I visit in the afternoon from 2pm to 5pm, which is teatime here. I also help her to the dining room. That’s my job now” he laughed.

Jack regularly joins resident outings, continues to take Myra out for lunches and dinners, and the two spend weekends together at Jack’s house.

What’s the secret to a happy marriage? According to Jack, it’s getting to know the person and spending quality time together.

“Once you know the person, you just grow on each other. Being together, growing together and even growing together in old age is the secret,” said Jack.

Jack doesn’t need an excuse to spoil Myra, but to mark the special day of love, he gifted her with a bouquet of fresh roses and some of her favourite chocolates.